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At least 1,171 records · Page 65

The effects of RCS jet firing on the isolated Orbiter and mated coast phases of the glide return to launch site maneuver at Mach number 6 (IA302B)

An updated Space Shuttle aerodynamic data base was obtained in Tunnel B for two phases of the Glide Return to Launch Site (GRTLS) abort maneuver. One-and-a-quarter percent scale models of the Space Shuttle Orbiter and External Tank were used to measure the effects of various combinations of Reaction Control System (RCS) jet thrusters at Mach number 6. The angle-of-attack range for the isolated orbiter was -10 to 15 deg at sideslip angles from -5 to 10 deg during Phase 1 of testing. The angle-of-attack range for the mated orbiter and external tank was -5 to 15 deg with sideslip angles of -2 to 5 deg during Phase 2. The test was conducted at a unit Reynolds number of 0.75 million per foot.

Garrett, L. V.↗

Implementing direct, spatially isolated problems on transputer networks

Parametric studies were performed on transputer networks of up to 40 processors to determine how to implement and maximize the performance of the solution of problems where no processor-to-processor data transfer is required for the problem solution (spatially isolated). Two types of problems are investigated a computationally intensive problem where the solution required the transmission of 160 bytes of data through the parallel network, and a communication intensive example that required the transmission of 3 Mbytes of data through the network. This data consists of solutions being sent back to the host processor and not intermediate results for another processor to work on. Studies were performed on both integer and floating-point transputers. The latter features an on-chip floating-point math unit and offers approximately an order of magnitude performance increase over the integer transputer on real valued computations. The results indicate that a minimum amount of work is required on each node per communication to achieve high network speedups (efficiencies). The floating-point processor requires approximately an order of magnitude more work per communication than the integer processor because of the floating-point unit's increased computing capacity.

Ellis, Graham K.↗

ISEE 3 observations of low-energy proton bidirectional events and their relation to isolated interplanetary magnetic structures

The paper represents the results of a comprehensive survey of low-energy proton bidirectional anisotropies and associated transient magnetic structures as observed in the 35-1600 keV energy range on ISEE-3 during the last solar maximum. The majority of observed bidirectional flow (BDF) events (more than 70 percent) are associated with isolated magnetic structures which are postulated to be an interplanetary manifestation of coronal mass ejection (CME) events. The observed BDF events can be qualitatively grouped into five classes depending on the field signature of the related magnetic structure and the association (or lack of association) with an interplanetary shock. Concerning the topology of the CME-related magnetic structures, the observations are interpreted as being consistent with a detached bubble, comprising closed loops or tightly wound helices.

Marsden, R. G.↗

Disturbance and vibration isolation in space stations by means of mechanical decoupling

A decoupling approach to disturbance and vibration isolation in large space stations composed of modules interconnected by flexible members is proposed. A simplified mathematical model for the motion of the space station core and a laboratory module with both torsional vibration and translational motion decouplers is used in this study. The dynamic behavior of the model in the presence of decoupler friction is analyzed. Estimates for the maximum excursions of the laboratory module induced by various types of external disturbance are derived. The paper concludes with a simulation study involving the hard-docking of a space shuttle with a space station.

Wang, P. K. C.↗

Euler/Navier-Stokes zonal scheme with applications to separated and isolated-vortex flows

An Euler/Navier-Stokes zonal scheme with boundary-layer compatibility conditions is developed to economically compute separated and vortex flows. The scheme is based on dividing the flow region into zones, where different levels of mathematical approximations of the governing equations are used in each zone. The scheme is applied to two specific problems: the two dimensional flow over a blunt leading-edge plate and the quasi-axisymmetric flow of an isolated vortex core. In the first problem, the computational domain is divided into inner and outer zones where the Navier-Stokes and Euler equations are used, respectively. On the downstream boundary of the computational domain, boundary-layer compatibility conditions are used. In the second problem, boundary-layer-like equations for slender, compressible, vortex flows are developed. A compatibility condition has been used to ensure consistency of the boundary and initial conditions. The outer boundary conditions of the flow are derived from Euler equations for a stream surface.

Kandil, Osama A.↗

An investigation of the damping phenomena in wire rope isolators

Early investigations into analytically modeling the dynamics of wire rope vibration isolators are described. Results from both very simple and very complex models are shown. The dynamic model which has the best agreement to date with simple one-dimensional experiments is one which includes a Coulomb friction force which varies with frequency. There are many yet unexplained phenomena, however. The fundamentals which underly multistrand NASTRAN models are given, and some early results are shown. An application simulation is briefly described, as is ongoing research.

Cutchins, M. A.↗

Output-Isolation And Protection Circuit

Output-isolation circuit couples precise analog signals (-10 to +10 V, 0 to 20 kHz) from computer or from other electronic equipment to external electronic equipment that may be at different ground potential. Circuit functions in presence of common-mode voltages up to 2,500 Vac or 3,500 Vdc. To prevent damage from accidental connection of output leads to powerlines or other sources of high voltage, circuit includes features that protect input and output signal lines against normal-mode overvoltages up to 120 V ac or dc.

Wagner, Charles A.↗

Human adaptation to isolated and confined environments: Preliminary findings of a seven month Antarctic winter-over human factors study

This field study was conducted during the last decade of an austral winter-over at Palmer Station in the Antarctic. The purpose of the study was to understand temporal patterns in physiological arousal and psychological mood over the course of the mission. The investigators were principally interested in how people adapted over time to chronic and acute stressors, and how people use and modify their built environment. Physiological and psychological data were collected several times a week, and information on behavior and the use of physical facilities was collected monthly. Physiological and psychological data were compared with social changes in the setting toward the development of a sequential model of human-environment transactional relationships. Based on the study results, guidelines for design of future isolated and confined environments (ICEs) included: plan space for items which make people feel at home, provide materials to allow people to personalize their environment, allow for flexible environments, provide areas for visual and auditory privacy, equip areas for socializing and remove them from private areas, and provide facilities for exercise and for projects involving physical activity. The study offers guidelines about patterns of adaption that could be expected in an ICE, discusses how these settings can be programmed to facilitate successful adjustment, and provides information about how to design future ICE habitats to maximize a healthy living environment.

Evans, Gary W.↗

An expert system for satellite and instrument data anomaly and fault isolation

A prototype Generic Payload Operations Control System (GPOCC) is being developed at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory to provide a low-cost command and control processing center for science instruments and small payloads. The GPOCC supports the difficult transition from integration and test to flight operations. The prototype will incorporate four expert systems to perform telemetry, command, and mission planning functions as well as telecommunications scheduling. The first of these expert systems to be developed will perform telemetry data analysis and fault isolation, as well as propose corrective action. This Data Analysis Module (DAM) will monitor telemetry data and perform continual data monitoring and trend analysis based on a knowledge base and historic data archived on an optical disk storage device. The system maintains a continuous knowledge database of past system performance characteristics. The goal of the Data Analysis Module is to achieve consistent, dependable and validatable performance, to demonstrate thorough, reliable and fast reasoning, and to reduce the concentration demanded of flight analysis personnel.

Busse, Carl↗

An Ada implementation for fault detection, isolation and reconfiguration using a fault-tolerant processor

The design and implementation, in Ada, of the Fault Detection, Isolation, and Reconfiguration (FDIR) Manager for the triply redundant, tightly synchronized, Fault Tolerant Processor (FTP) are covered. It also examines the suitability of Ada, in the context of the FTP, for real time control tasks. The operational concepts behind the FTP are explained, and the structure of the resultant Ada code is discussed.

Greeley, Gregory L.↗

Flap-lag stability data for a small-scale isolated hingeless rotor in forward flight

An isolated, hingeless rotor with discrete flap and lead-lag flexures and relatively rigid blades was tested in the Aeroflightdynamics Directorate's 7- by 10-Foot Wind Tunnel. The lead-lag stability of a structurally simple rotor configuration in forward flight was determined. The model tested had no cyclic pitch control, and was therefore operated untrimmed at several collective pitch angles, at shaft angles from 0 deg to -20 deg, and at advance ratios as high as 0.55. Two inplane natural frequencies, 0.61/rev and 0.72/rev, were tested for configuration both with and without structural flap lag coupling. Concomitant hover testing of the model was also conducted. Representative plots of the frequency and damping data are presented to show general trends, and complete tabular data and model properties information are included for use in detailed correlation exercises. The most prominent feature of the forward flight data is an abrupt increase in damping with advance ratio at certain high-speed, high shaft-angle conditions, with high flapping loads. The hover data are consistent with previous experimental and theoretical results for hingeless rotors without kinematic couplings. Overall, the data quality is very good and the data are expected to be useful in the development and validation of rotor aeroelastic stability analyses.

Mcnulty, Michael J.↗

Tracking and data relay satellite fault isolation and correction using PACES: Power and attitude control expert system

The Power and Attitude Control Expert System (PACES) is an object oriented and rule based expert system which provides spacecraft engineers with assistance in isolating and correcting problems within the Power and Attitude Control Subsystems of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS). PACES is designed to act in a consultant role. It will not interface to telemetry data, thus preserving full operator control over spacecraft operations. The spacecraft engineer will input requested information. This information will include telemetry data, action being performed, problem characteristics, spectral characteristics, and judgments of spacecraft functioning. Questions are answered either by clicking on appropriate responses (for text), or entering numeric values. A context sensitive help facility allows access to additional information when the user has difficulty understanding a question or deciding on an answer. The major functionality of PACES is to act as a knowledge rich system which includes block diagrams, text, and graphics, linked using hypermedia techniques. This allows easy movement among pieces of the knowledge. Considerable documentation of the spacecraft Power and Attitude Control Subsystems is embedded within PACES. The development phase of TDRSS expert system technology is intended to provide NASA with the necessary expertise and capability to define requirements, evaluate proposals, and monitor the development progress of a highly competent expert system for NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite Program.

Erikson, Carol-Lee↗

Siphon flows in isolated magnetic flux tubes

The paper considers steady siphon flows in isolated thin magnetic flux tubes surrounded by field-free gas, with plasma beta greater than or equal to 1, appropriate for conditions in the solar photosphere. The cross-sectional area of the flux tube varies along the tube in response to pressure changes induced by the siphon flow. Consideration is also given to steady isothermal siphon flows in arched magnetic flux tubes in a stratified atmosphere. Applications of the results to intense magnetic flux tubes in the solar photosphere and to the photospheric Evershed flow in a sunspot penumbra are addressed.

Thomas, John H.↗

Piezoelectric polymer-based isolation mount for articulated pointing systems on large flexible spacecraft

When a pointing system is attached to a large flexible body that is subject to continuous excitation, a mechanical isolator becomes a key element in achieving high performance. An active softmount based on the piezoelectric polymer poly (vinylidene fluoride) is considered here for use in a precision pointing system for Space Station. A finite element model of the softmount is developed and added to simple Space Station and payload models for performance analysis. Both linear frequency domain and nonlinear time domain simulations are carried out in order to demonstrate the wideband disturbance rejection capabilities of the design. Nonlinear geometric effects of large nodal deflections are also considered.

Sirlin, Samuel W.↗

Advanced detection, isolation, and accommodation of sensor failures - Real-time evaluation

The objective of the Advanced Detection, Isolation, and Accommodation (ADIA) program is to improve the overall demonstrated reliability of digital electronic control systems for turbine engines by using analytical redundancy to detect sensor failures. The results of a real-time hybrid computer evaluation of the ADIA algorithm are presented. Minimum detectable levels of sensor failures for an F100 engine control system are determined. Also included are details about the microprocessor implementation of the algorithm as well as a description of the algorithm itself.

Merrill, Walter C.↗

Numerical simulations of an isolated microburst. I - Dynamics and structure

Isolated and stationary microbursts are simulated using a time-dependent, high-resolution, axisymmetric numerical model. A microburst downdraft is initiated by specifying a distribution of precipitation at the top boundary of the model and allowing it to fall into the domain. Two case studies of a hazardous wet (high reflectivity) microburst are presented. The initial and boundary specifications, evolution, microphysics, ring vortex, burst front, vorticity, and structure of the microbursts are discussed.

Proctor, Fred H.↗

Nonlinear Parker instability of isolated magnetic flux in a plasma

The nonlinear evolution of the Parker instability in an isolated horizontal magnetic-flux sheet embedded in a two-temperature layer atmosphere is studied by using a two-dimensional MHD code. In the solar case, this two-layer model is regarded as a simplified abstraction of the sun's photosphere/chromosphere and its overlying much hotter (coronal) envelope. The horizontal flux sheet is initially located in the lower temperature atmosphere so as to satisfy magnetostatic equilibrium under a constant gravitational acceleration. Ideal MHD is assumed, and only perturbations with k parallel to the magnetic-field lines are investigated. As the instability develops, the gas slides down the expanding loop, and the evacuated loop rises as a result of enhanced magnetic buoyancy. In the nonlinear regime of the instability, both the rise velocity of a magnetic loop and the local Alfven velocity at the top of the loop increase linearly with height and show self-similar behavior with height as long as the wavelength of the initial perturbation is much smaller than the horizontal size of the computing domain.

Shibata, K.↗

Axisymmetric shapes and stability of isolated charged drops

Axisymmetric equilibrium shapes and stability of isolated charged drops are found by solving simultaneously the Young-Laplace equation for surface shape and the Laplace equation for the electric field. Families of two-, three-, and four-lobed shapes that branch from the trunk family of spheres are treated systematically by means of the Galerkin/finite element method and a tessellation that deforms with the free surface. The results show that at the limit found by Rayleigh in 1882 the spherical family exchanges stability with a family of two-lobed shapes, a transcritically bifurcating family, one arm of which proves to consist of stable shapes. The results are reinforced by those of approximating the stable drop shapes as oblate spheroids. Thus oblate drops carrying charge in excess of the Rayleigh limit ought to be seen in experiments, though none have yet been reported.

Basaran, O. A.↗